What follows is a listing of all panels and events planned for Sunday, April 17th. The program grid is also available (40KB .pdf).
Individual times are listed in Pacific Daylight Saving Time (PDT). For the convenience of our virtual members joining us from elsewhere, headers marking Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) are included.
Items being streamed to our virtual platform are marked with the Airmeet logo (
). All streaming events for the weekend are listed together on the streaming schedule page.
Schedules for the rest of the weekend are listed here, or jump directly to Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
We will be updating this list as major changes occur, until the convention opens. Last updated .
7 a.m. PDT (10 a.m. EDT / 2 p.m. GMT)
Nerf Firing RangeGrand 2
7–9 a.m.
7–9 a.m.
Join us for an early morning session to test out a variety of Nerf blasters on our firing range. Staff-approved outside blasters welcome. Players under 13 must have a parent present to play. Equipment is provided at the play area.
8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT / 3 p.m. GMT)
Masquerade Viewing & DebriefingCascade 12
8–10 a.m.
8–10 a.m.
Join us to watch a recording of the masquerade and then have a debriefing of it.
Johanna Mead (M)
All-Ages Open Games/Games LibraryMaxi’s Ballroom
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come check out games from our lending library. We have card games, board games, and so much more! Need accessibility assistance for a game? Please speak to our staff so we can be sure to meet your needs.
All-Ages Scheduled GamesRotunda 1; Rotunda 2
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come sign up for a game run by our volunteers. We have role-playing games, LARPs, card games, board games, and more! Need accessibility assistance for a game? Please speak to our staff when you sign up so we can be sure to meet your needs.
10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. GMT)
The Monopoly of the MouseCascade 5 & 6
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
No one can say that Disney hasn’t been doing some great things with both Star Wars and the Marvel Universe: The Mandalorian, The Bad Batch, Star Wars: Visions, Loki, WandaVision, What If… But they’ve also brought the end to a lot of great stories that were being told on other networks—Jessica Jones, Legion, and Daredevil, to name a few. Let’s discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to the Mouse.
Gabe (G.S.) Denning (M), Brooks Peck, Chris Wiswell, Kris “Pepper” Hambrick
The Next War Is WaterCascade 7 & 8
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Grab your super soaker! But seriously, just because the earth is 75 percent covered by water doesn’t mean there is enough.
Mike Brennan (M), Colette Breshears, Nancy Kress
Tropes in Young Adult FictionCascade 9 & 10 /
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
The chosen one. The love triangle. The rebel who overthrows an unjust ruler. The spunky or snarky voice. The Mary Sue. First-person, present-tense narration. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, these are the tropes of teen books. Let’s explore why they are used, what strengths they can give a story, what weaknesses they have, which books take the tropes and twist and turn them just right, and what else writers should consider when writing a young adult book to help your work stand apart. And let’s ask ourselves if the reputation of these tropes might be a tad overstated.
Benjamin Gorman (M), Marta Murvosh, Lydia K. Valentine, Adrienne Dellwo
Underneath It AllCascade 11
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Without proper foundation, a house will not stand. The same holds true for costumes. Learn how the skillful use of structure, padding, and support will make your costume stand up and give its best performance. Create daring designs with the help of hidden or integrated structures. Create the ideal silhouette! History has lots of inspiration and we have information how to get the look you want, regardless of the shape you’re starting with.
Theresa Halbert (M), Melissa Quinn, Richard Stephens, Zamesta Cosplay
Young Artist Art ShowOlympic 1
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
You’ve had a chance to see the artwork all weekend, so come see who wins the awards for the youth art show! All are welcome.
Rebecca A. Demarest (M), Cait McKinzie, Agathon McGeachy
Writing Hacks to Crack Writers Block and Un-stall StoriesOlympic 3
10–11 a.m.
10–11 a.m.
Sometimes writers find themselves at an impasse and resort to a trick for moving forward, like jumping ahead to the next scene, or writing in reverse. Other writers use productivity hacks, like using a particular font or tool, or starting their day with a particular ritual. What hacks have our panelists tested that worked (or didn’t)? What do they build into their process to keep themselves going? Join us to gather some new hacks and share your own.
Eva L. Elasigue (M), Gordon B. White, Randy Henderson
POC Safer Space OpensCascade 4
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
11 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. GMT)
Sub-Orbital Space Tourism: It’s Finally a Thing!Cascade 5 & 6
11–noon
11–noon
In 2004, SpaceShipOne became the first private company to send a human into space and did it twice more to win the Ansari X Prize. Nearly 17 years later, SpaceShipTwo-class VSS Unity flew its first passengers, and Blue Origin began passenger flights of its New Shepard the same month. Is it a sustainable business to fly rich people and celebrities into space for a few minutes? Who cares? We just want to join them!
Agathon McGeachy (M), Dave Davis, Peter N. Glaskowsky, Dan Dubrick
Keep It ProfessionalCascade 7 & 8
11–noon
11–noon
What defines professionalism in the publishing industry? What is the bare minimum you can expect in return? What should you do if you think you’re being treated unfairly? What should you NEVER do?
K.G. Anderson (M), Jack Skillingstead, Sara A Mueller, Patrick Swenson
Vampires vs. Werewolves Smackdown!Cascade 9 & 10 /
11–noon
11–noon
It’s become common in horror and paranormal fiction to depict vampires and werewolves as rivals or enemies. Where does this trope come from? When does it work or not work? And, most importantly, which one would really win in a fight?
Julie McGalliard (M), Xander Odell, Leigh Harlen
It’s Gettin’ Real in That Solar SystemCascade 11
11–noon
11–noon
“All aliens of the same species or planet are culturally alike” is an idea that some science fiction authors have leaned upon heavily. Which writers challenge this cliché effectively, and how are their stories different as a result? Is it realistic to expect authors to invent multiple cultures and tensions on a non-featured side planet? What are the pitfalls of seeing fictional aliens as single, uniform cultures?
Eva L. Elasigue (M), David D. Levine, Rhiannon Held
Speculative Comedy: Who Are the Heirs of Adams and Pratchett?Cascade 13
11–noon
11–noon
Creating funny characters, comic relief, and infusing stories with humor takes skill. Authors like Tom Holt, John Scalzi, and Connie Willis excel in comic and humorous genre works. Panelists discuss the elements of comedy in dialogue, character, and the structure of the story. What under-appreciated funny genre books are floating around out there? What is the future of comedy in genre writing?
Randy Henderson (M), Gave (G.S.) Denning, Mike Stoumbos, Rebecca Demarest
Writing People Like MeOlympic 1
11–noon
11–noon
Sometimes it’s hard to find characters that have the same struggles we do, so how do we write stories we and other people can identify with? Join several amazing authors to talk about writing from the heart of your lived experiences. (Ages 11-19)
Marta Murvosh (M), Sonja Thomas, Camden Rose
Fanfic as a GenreOlympic 3
11–noon
11–noon
Fanfiction is a wide-ranging phenomenon that seems to span an enormous range of genres—but what happens if we consider fanfic as a unique genre in itself, with its own rules, conventions, and expectations?
Berlynn Wohl (M), Victoria Shaffer
Norwescon Art AuctionGrand 2
11:30–1:30 p.m.
11:30–1:30 p.m.
Norwescon presents a fun-filled opportunity to bid on the hottest and most sought-after art from Norwescon’s art show. Come early for a good spot to watch and bid from. Doors open at 11:30, and bidding starts at noon.
Noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. GMT)
Dancing in the DarkCascade 7 & 8
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
How evolution does it versus how writers do it… wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
Charlotte Lewis Brown (M), Adrienne Dellwo, Joseph Malik, Jake McKinzie
The Anxious Convention ProCascade 9 & 10 /
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Being a pro at a convention can feel like the next big step in being recognized for your craft. But what if you’re an anxious, shy sort? How do you move past the anxiety to take that next step? Join these pros as they share their tips for dealing with that annoying little sidekick: anxiety.
Cat Rambo (M), Zamesta Cosplay
Our Zombies, Our SelvesCascade 11
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and zombies all begin as human beings. All have their roots in a lost or stolen humanity. Is our continuing fascination with zombies and vampires our way of grappling with ourselves? And which fantasy characters are most persuasive in convincing us that they are not really monsters at all—that they are, in fact, a reflection, distortion, or creation of ourselves?
Benjamin Gorman (M), Brooks Peck, Julie McGalliard, Laura Anne Gilman
Space Art: The Most Distant HorizonCascade 12
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
From the science fictional to the scientific, explore the history and current state of the art of space.
Vandy H. Hall (M), Eric L Vargas, Jeff Sturgeon
Worldbuilding: Short Fiction vs. LongCascade 13
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
What is involved in worldbuilding for a short story or novella, compared to a single novel or series? How much worldbuilding does a short story need? Is a novel series the best forum for showing an author’s worldbuilding efforts? How can “world” be reflected in character, dialogue, conflict, or point of view? Panelists will discuss short story writers and novelists who create rich worlds while keeping the reader glued to the page.
David D. Levine (M), Bruce Taylor, Rhiannon Held
Young Author BootcampOlympic 1
noon–2 p.m.
noon–2 p.m.
Do you want to learn about the various parts of writing a story? Need some block-breakers? Come check out this workshop. Authors of various sorts will be available to ask questions and suggest exercises to help strengthen your writing. (Ages 11-19)
Rebecca A. Demarest (M), Heather S. Ransom, Camden Rose
Advanced Bead EmbroideryOlympic 2
noon–2 p.m.
noon–2 p.m.
This workshop covers advanced embellishment stitches to bring 3D to bead embroidery, and is for attendees already familiar with the basic stitches. These techniques are great for costumes and artwork. Stitches we will cover include picot edging, fringe, adding a cabochon, and chain stitch. At the end of the workshop, you will have started an embellished applique. Kits are provided. A $5 donation is accepted but not required. Limited to 16 participants. Sign up at the Info Booth in the Lobby.
Theresa Halbert (M), Tamera Mickelson
Additive Manufacturing: Printing Has Officially Left the Page BehindOlympic 3
noon–1 p.m.
noon–1 p.m.
3D printing has come a long way since reaching hobbyist-accessible price levels in the 2010s. As we enter a new decade, how close are we to having matter compilers as depicted in Neal Stephenson’s The Diamond Age? Join our panel to explore current state-of-the-art additive manufacturing devices and talk about where they are headed next.
Dr. Sean Robinson (M), Michael “Tinker” Pearce
Norwescon’s Fannish FeudNorthwest 2 & 3 /
12:30–2 p.m.
12:30–2 p.m.
Play our fannish version of the popular television iconic trivia game show, based on real survey responses! Each question has multiple answers, but the top answers selected most frequently by the survey respondents provide the most points. Play or watch Norwescon’s Fannish Feud to hear the most popular responses from fellow fans to survey questions. Compete to win bragging rights!
J. Grace McKelvy (M)
1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT / 8 p.m. GMT)
Taking Critique: New Writer EditionCascade 5 & 6
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
No matter where we are in our careers, getting constructive feedback from other writers, workshops, and editors helps us become better at our craft. But how does a new writer take critique effectively? How do writers learn the difference between good feedback and off-target criticism? Could a stinging critique still help a writer improve? Professionals offer their personal stories about how they learned to utilize criticism on manuscripts—and published work, too.
Barth Anderson (M), Nancy Kress, Dorothy Sekabira, Randy Henderson, Sonja Thomas
Scum and Villainy in Science FictionCascade 7 & 8
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
John Milton said Satan was his favorite character to create, and it’s easy to see why. Who has more fun, Joker or Batman? Hannibal Lecter or Clarice Starling? Join us as our panelists dance with the devil in the pale moonlight, discussing their treasured villains in science fiction. Who are the very best villains and why?
Kris “Pepper” Hambrick (M), Shweta Adhyam, Eva L. Elasigue
The Surface Design RundownCascade 9 & 10 /
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
There are many ways to add interest to your costume fabrics. Learn from our panelists how to use dye, paint, trim, and even some unexpected materials to make a fabric more exciting.
Julie Zetterberg (M), Alicia Faires, Janet Borkowski, SunnyJim Morgan, Leanna Cosplay
Creating Art in a Dark TimeCascade 11
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
The pandemic radically changed many of our day-to-day lives. For some, it was an unprecedented period of creativity; for others, a dark hole to slog through. Even without COVID, everyday issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression can be barriers or inspiration. Moving forward, how and why do we keep writing, painting, drawing, singing, and dancing through the dark?
Vandy H. Hall (M), Brittany Torres, Rob Carlos
War Stories—No Kidding, There I Was…Cascade 12
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
What makes a good war story? Where do you find people with good war stories? How do you know when the storyteller is relating true personal history and not an exaggeration or outright lie? Hear some good examples of war stories.
Joseph Malik (M), Mike Brennan, Maj. James Franklin (Ret.)
Teens at WarCascade 13
1–2 p.m.
1–2 p.m.
Books featuring teens during war tell deeply personal stories, whether the characters are willing enlistees or in a military martial academy, draftees, reluctant revolutionaries, or bystanders caught up in the conflict or a group fighting a cold war that erupts into heated battles (examples include Jennifer Brozek’s The Nellus Academy Incident and Iron Dawn Fonda Lee’s Exo and Jade City, Kameron Hurley’s Light Brigade, Kate Elliot’s Court of Fives, as well as Hunger Games and Ender’s Game, not to mention Star Wars). Let’s talk about why teens in war make for deep stories about our humanity.
Marta Murvosh (M), Jennifer Brozek
2 p.m. PDT (5 p.m. EDT / 9 p.m. GMT)
The Future That Was and Wasn’tCascade 5 & 6
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
We humans have been at this sci-fi thing long enough that we’ve reached the point where the years that we predicted have come and gone! What did we get right? What did we get wrong? How did we influence the development of technology? We’ll look at films such as Back to the Future, Blade Runner, The Terminator, and more to see just how spot on (or off) we were.
Kris “Pepper” Hambrick (M), Nick Fraser, Brooks Peck
Hypersleep vs. Generation ShipsCascade 9 & 10 /
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
Even if faster-than-light interstellar travel isn’t possible, we’re still going, right? Or someone will. Humans are like that. But how? The two most popular notions are hypersleep (also known as suspended animation, the idea we’ll just take a nap until we get there) and generation ships (self-contained, self-supporting ecosystems like a huge sealed-glass garden). How would you prefer to go?
Peter N. Glaskowsky (M), Michael “Tinker” Pearce, Dr. Sean Robinson
Surviving in the Land of Short StoriesCascade 11
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
We often hear that novel writers should start out writing short stories. But what if that’s all you want to write? Can a writer get by this way? What are the keys to having a successful short story career? What places can you go beyond genre magazines?
Cat Rambo (M), Jack Skillingstead, Patrick Swenson
Creating Inclusive Game SpacesOlympic 3
2–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
Inclusive gaming is about ensuring all people have equal access and equal participation in high-quality play opportunities. Inclusion is an approach and philosophy that provides all gamers with community membership and opportunities for social achievement. Our panelists discuss how to make it happen.
Sheye Anne Blaze (M), Connor Alexander, Amanda Hamon
3 p.m. PDT (6 p.m. EDT / 10 p.m. GMT)
It Takes a Village: Non-Nuclear Family Structure in WorldbuildingCascade 5 & 6
3–4 p.m.
3–4 p.m.
When writers move away from the heteronormative Western family structure, how does it affect the way that the world and story are designed? From specific details like architecture to more general concepts like politics and biology, family structure should affect your entire world. We’ll discuss the mechanics you need to take into consideration when creating alternate family structures.
Shweta Adhyam, Connor Alexander, Joseph Brassey
The Great Dilemma—Balancing Screen Time With LifeCascade 11
3–4 p.m.
3–4 p.m.
Spider-Man isn’t the only teen struggling to balance school, social life, and other things. For most of us, finding the right balance between screen time and face time can feel like a superhuman challenge. Phones, games, electronics, books, and entertainment can swallow our lives and interfere with other demands. Join us for a panel discussion of the challenges facing both youth and adults in today’s wired world, as well as strategies for coping and finding a healthy balance.
Mike Jack Stoumbos (M), Dorothy Sekabira, J. Komp, Heather S. Ransom
Are You Afraid of Your Feet?Cascade 12
3–4 p.m.
3–4 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what those weird feet are that you get with your sewing machine? Believe it or not, they do make some sewing tasks easier. Our panel of experts will share their favorite feet and show examples of what they can do.
Carmen Beaudry (M), Leanna Cosplay, Julie Zetterberg
Drag Academy ShowcaseNorthwest 2 & 3 /
3–4 p.m.
3–4 p.m.
The Norwescon draglings have spent the weekend learning how to get all dolled up and dragged up. Now what?! It’s time to put on a show, that’s what! Join instructor Mercury Divine and the draglings as they put to work everything they’ve learned during their time at the drag academy! Get ready to cheer, clap, yell, and maybe even throw some dollar bills, because this is going to be a show to remember.
Mercury Divine (M)
4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT / 11 p.m. GMT)
Closing CeremoniesCascade 9 & 10 /
4–5 p.m.
4–5 p.m.
Come send off Norwescon 44’s guests of honor with fanfare. We’ve made it through another year and will celebrate the good times we’ve had.
Rob Stewart (M), Cat Rambo, Rob Carlos, Patrick Swenson, Connor Alexander, Lydia K. Valentine
5 p.m. PDT (8 p.m. EDT / 12 a.m. April 18 GMT)
Onions & RosesCascade 9 & 10
5–6 p.m.
5–6 p.m.
The convention is over. Here’s your chance to weigh in on what went well and what didn’t. Tell us your favorite and least favorite parts of the convention so we can try to make it better next year. After all, as a member of Norwescon, this is YOUR convention!